Book Review: Rescue My Heart by Jill Shalvis

Rescue My Heart
Author: Jill Shalvis
Series: Animal Magnetism Book 3
Publication: Berkley (November 6, 2012)

Description: A man and woman with a complicated past find a second chance at romance in this Animal Magnetism novel from New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis.

After a tragic stint in the National Guards, Adam Connelly returns to Idaho and to Belle Haven, the animal shelter he owns with his brothers. All Adam wants is to be alone. Then he opens the door to the past—the woman whose heart he once broke. Still gorgeous, still tough-as-nails, but this time, unusually vulnerable.

Holly learned the hard way to never depend on a man for anything. Now, of all men, Adam is the last one she wants to see, and the only one she needs. Her father has gone missing in the Bitterroot Mountains and she could use someone with tracking skills to help find him.

For Holly and Adam, each with their ghosts, a trek this desperate, this unpredictable, and this intimate, will have its share of risks—including opening their hearts one more time.

My Thoughts: This was an engaging and entertaining second-chance-at-love romance.

Holly fell in love with Adam when she was eighteen. They had a close relationship until he decided to leave her. He joined the Army, learned who he was, and became a disciplined person. Adam had grown up in foster care after his father's death and his mother's retreat to the Reservation. He has always felt unworthy and unwanted.

After serving in Afghanistan and coming home with PTSD and guilt for surviving when the rest of his squad did not, Adam is trying to rebuild his life as a trainer of search and rescue dogs. He also has classes doing general dog training.

Holly ran away to New York City after Adam left town and threw herself into a marriage with one of her college professors. She didn't pick well. Her husband was a womanizer and a jerk. In order to save her own pride, she didn't mention to her father or brother that she's divorced him.

Now she's back home working for her dad. She's a strong, independent woman who has never gotten over her love for Adam. This time she isn't going to let him run the show. She knows what she wants and will do everything to get it.

I loved the relationship between Holly and Adam. I also loved the dogs that were part of his life. He has a great relationship with his brothers who are both ready to call him to account as he tries to sabotage his own life. 

Favorite Quote:

He toed the jacket. "You don't need this -- you've already drawn the line in the sand. I think I can control myself." He was ninety-nine percent sure.

Okay, seventy-five. 

I bought this one November 6, 2012. You can buy your copy here.